Thread: A Metal Masterpiece...

A metal masterpiece!

806..jpg

http://www.todayspilot.co.uk/view_issue.asp?ID=806

i can't find this magazine (which I guess is published in the UK). Can anyone share what the author had to say about handling/landing characteristics?

When I first heard of the CT MC I must admit I thought it was a mistake for Flight Design to get involved with metal products especially when considering the success they have enjoyed with composite technology. However by all reports it looks as if they are on to a winner again with the metal version of the CT and I’m humble enough to say my fears were unfounded and I apologise to all at Flight Design for my doubts. Oh Ye of little faith.
As the article in Todays Pilot says…. A metal masterpiece!
The Skyscratcher brigade should be worried, especially with the ‘wrong’ engine in their aircraft.
I have the article scanned but I will not put it in the public domain for fear of copyright but if anyone PMs me I will send it to you privately.

Mac

I finally did find this magazine. Very interesting review. I would interested in demoing a MC. It doesn't appear, however, that any production models are yet out. Does anyone have any intelligence as to when they are coming?

It's out - not a lot here however. I posted some pictures of the one at Sun n Fun. I believe there is one about to travel around the Country for some exposure. Where are you and how would you like to be made contact with? I'll get you in touch with the right folks?

Roger H

Thanks, Roger, but not necessary, I already have Tom P's phone number.

Why'd you ask then? And Tom P's not the guy taking it around the country but whatever!!!

Well, I did ask Tom P. when the MC would be arriving, and the best he could answer was "at some point." He did mention your news that the plane that was at Sun 'N Fun (which I believe was a prototype, not a production model) would be going on a national tour. It sounds to me as if production is slow for some reason. Maybe there is still some development going on? The question is important to me because I'd like to get a plane this summer. So I just thought I would ask on this forum if anyone had any unofficial scoop. Sorry if I offended you.

That's okay. Didn't offend me at all. If you're interested in buying an FD aircraft it should be a fairly easy decision as to which model you need once you decide what you want it for. A metal plane is going to be easier to find places to have it fixed if you damage the skin for instance. The MC was also designed with more training in mind then a cross country cruiser. There are differences. Once you decide what you need and want it should be a fairly easy decision after that. I was just trying to help you out in getting to see the MC is all.'

They haven't delivered a lot of them yet because no one is delivering a lot of planes at the moment. But, as time moves on you should see more and more of them. It's a great looking aircraft with tons of room inside and should make a good tough trainer to put on the line.

Roger H

Thanks. I'm a sport-pilot-in-training (getting close to the checkride) who's interested primarily in flying purely for the fun of it, as opposed to serious cross-country stuff. I'm training in the CTLS, and as a result am quite aware of its performance capabilities. If I wanted to do more longer legs, it would almost certainly be be #1 on my list. But as a new pilot who wants to feel comfortable and safe in my first plane, I think the CTLS just might be a little advanced for me (although I'm training with a really great CFI, John Lampson, and I feel more and more comfortable in it). The ruggedness and ease-of-maintence promised by the MC does appeal to me, although as I live in Connecticut and am quite close to the Flight Design headquarters, availability of maintenance isn't my first criteria. It would instead be the forgiving handling of the MC, as suggested by the Today's Pilot article, that is of interest to me. That and the obviously great Flight Design engineering and quality.

On the other hand, I wouldn't want to shell out a lot of money for a plane that I might "outgrow" after a short period of time. (A MC that was available for me to rent during the first year of my flying might be ideal for me, but that doesn't look like it will happen anytime soon . . . . ) Also, I have to say, I like some low-wings -- I've flown in the Tecnam Sierra and the TL Ultralight Sting S3, and liked their handling a lot -- and so I may have an interesting choice to make.